Anxiety and depression during pregnancy increase the risk of cesarean section.

Scientists from the University of Michigan analyzed data from more than 360,000 women giving birth who were admitted to maternity wards across the state from 2008 to 2017. Nearly one in four expectant mothers (24%) required a cesarean section.

The researchers focused on the incidence of diagnosed depression and anxiety among women, the incidence of cesarean sections in this group, and the indications for this intervention. Mental disorders were diagnosed in 3.1% of pregnant women. These were primarily older women compared to those without such problems.

After adjusting the data obtained for various factors, it turned out that depression and anxiety increased the risk of needing a primary cesarean section by 3.5% in women who do not have health indications for it.

In the future, the study's authors plan to explore the mechanism by which a mother's mental state influences complications during childbirth, which is currently unclear. In any case, women should receive timely diagnosis and assistance.

"Caesarean section is a major factor in the development of various diseases in mothers, and we must minimize all risks," the scientists reported.

Previously, scientists from Imperial College London found that half of pregnant women with severe morning sickness suffer from depression. Most felt so unwell that they were forced to take four or more weeks of maternity leave. Meanwhile, only 6% of women in the control group were diagnosed with the same mental disorder.

29% of women with morning sickness were later diagnosed with postpartum depression, while only 7% of the control group suffered from this condition.